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Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has had his say on some of the top attacking talents in European football, offering his backing to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antoine Semenyo. The four-time Premier League winner was eventually forced to choose his ultimate forward in a bracket that included Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal - scroll on to find out who won!

Shea Lacey has sent a reminder to interim Manchester United boss Michael Carrick of what he has to offer, with the Red Devils wonderkid netting a stunning hat-trick in Premier League 2 competition. The exciting teenager has already made a senior breakthrough in 2025-26, but experienced mixed emotions after being given his chance to shine on a first-team stage.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reignited the fierce war of words with bitter rivals Real Madrid, publicly mocking the penalty that gifted Kylian Mbappe a late winner against Rayo Vallecano. The outspoken Catalan chief was spotted openly ridiculing the decision, labelling the incident a "dive", suggesting that Alvaro Arbeloa's side are benefitting from favourable officiating as tensions between the two clubs reach boiling point.

Manchester United flop Donny van de Beek has announced his engagement to Estelle Bergkamp, the daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis. The Dutch midfielder endured a tough time on the field at Old Trafford, leading to an inevitable departure in 2024, but has had plenty to celebrate off the pitch. He and his fiancee are now preparing to draw up wedding plans.

The 2026 winter window closed on Monday, with Jorgen Strand Larsen's £48 million move from Wolves to Crystal Palace the biggest deal done on deadline day. Truth be told, though, it was a pretty tame end to what's been a fairly quiet month in the transfer market. Indeed, aside from Manchester City, most of Europe's top teams did next-to-no mid-season business, while there was very little movement at all in France, Germany or Spain - which wasn't that surprising, given January is traditionally a tough time to find good value for money.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke watched on with pride as his son, Luis Engelns, secured a significant career step by completing a deadline day transfer to the German top flight. The 18-year-old midfielder has left 2. Bundesliga side Paderborn to join high-flying Hoffenheim, where he will initially continue his development within their renowned youth setup before pushing for a place in a squad currently chasing the Bundesliga title.

Lionel Messi has reportedly given the “green light” to a sensational transfer that would include a “no away games” stipulation. The Argentine GOAT has extended his contract at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028, but wants to ensure that he is ready for World Cup duty in 2026. That could mean returning to Europe on a short-term deal, with Galatasaray ready to throw open their doors.

Could we expect something bold for the Morocco strips from PUMA?

Crystal Palace have been accused of showing a "complete disregard" for player welfare following the dramatic late collapse of Dwight McNeil’s proposed transfer from Everton. The winger’s partner, Megan Sharpley, has issued a scathing condemnation of the London club, accusing them of "toying" with McNeil's mental health after they pulled the plug on a £20 million deal without explanation, despite a deal sheet being submitted and a medical completed.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sparked fresh controversy by declaring that Russia’s ban from international football should "definitely" be lifted. In a wide-ranging and explosive interview, the Swiss official argued that the exclusion has failed to achieve its goals and has only created "frustration," while also doubling down on his decision to award United States president Donald Trump a bespoke "peace prize."

Lionel Messi is yet to officially confirm his participation at the 2026, but Inter Miami boss and fellow countryman Javier Mascherano appears to have revealed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will form part of Argentina’s plans. The expectation has always been that Messi, who captured a global crown in 2022, will grace at least one more major tournament as captain of his country.

Mikel Arteta has launched a staunch defence of his Arsenal side, dismissing claims from Paul Scholes that they would be the "most boring team to win the Premier League." On the eve of a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea, the Gunners boss laughed off the criticism, insisting that outside of the UK, his team is widely regarded as "the most exciting in Europe" thanks to their prolific goalscoring record and defensive dominance.

Lamine Yamal has made a huge statement on his future at Barcelona, with the teenage wonderkid revealing that he hopes to be a one-club man as he stays at Camp Nou “forever”. There is every chance of that happening, having quickly achieved icon status, but Lionel Messi has shown that not everybody gets their wish when it comes to career-long stints in Catalunya.

Famously, the January transfer window is the more difficult of the two to operate in. It's hard to persuade other clubs to give up assets mid-season, sometimes even harder to convince players that they're better off making a move immediately rather than waiting until the following summer. But that doesn't mean deals are impossible, or that you can't get good value for your buck.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we dive into Saudi Arabia’s journey: from Saeed Al-Owairan’s unforgettable, Diego Maradona-like run in 1994, to that stunning night in Qatar when the Green Falcons humbled Lionel Messi and Argentina. This is a story of belief, resilience and a legacy that never dies...

Axel Disasi has finally brought his Stamford Bridge purgatory to a close by securing a dramatic deadline day switch to West Ham. The French defender, the last remaining high-profile member of the infamous 'bomb squad' created during the Enzo Maresca era, has moved across London on a straight loan deal for the remainder of the campaign after a frantic race against the clock.

Viktor Gyokeres has explained how his iconic goal celebration came about, with a nod being offered to DC Comics star Bane, while discussing his start to life in the Premier League at Arsenal. The Sweden international striker admits that a stint in the Premier League has been challenging, but he is delighted to form part of a Premier League title bid at Emirates Stadium.

Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa, Monaco and Villarreal are among the clubs interested in signing Real Salt Lake star Zavier Gozo, sources tell GOAL. The winger, who has represented the U.S. up to the U-23 level, could be on the move in the summer for a transfer fee somewhere close to a club-record fee.

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is training with Arsenal. The midfielder has been without a club since leaving Besiktas in August, and he could now be on the verge of finding a new club. Mikel Arteta has also been asked about the former England star's future and whether he could stay on at Arsenal.

Liverpool have confirmed a transfer has now been agreed with Rennes for highly-rated centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. The defender will spent the rest of the season with the Ligue 1 side and will then head to Anfield at the end of the 2025-26 season. Chelsea had been keen to land the 20-year-old but have been beaten to his signature by Arne Slot's side.

With the World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at how the Canada squad might look in the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr in the summer, with a move to either Major League Soccer or a return to Europe both options for the Portugal superstar. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United ace has a release clause of €50 million (£43m/$59m) in his contract ahead of the summer window and will not lack for offers if he decide to quit the Saudi Pro League.

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers among American stars from the January window.

Obed Vargas is set for a major step forward, leaving the Seattle Sounders to join Atlético Madrid. While several LaLiga clubs had expressed interest in a potential loan move, Atlético plan to keep the 20-year-old midfielder in Madrid, where he is expected to join the first team. Vargas impressed as a homegrown player for Seattle, making 91 appearances.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero has issued a bombshell statement after his side's 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester City and the close of the January transfer window. Spurs are currently working through a remarkable injury crisis but have made just two first-team signings to bolster Thomas Frank's squad, leaving the defender angry and frustrated.

Karim Benzema has completed a shock January transfer from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on deadline day. The former Real Madrid star was into the final few months of his deal with Al-Ittihad but has now moved on. The proposed move is unlikely to go down well with Cristiano Ronaldo who has been left frustrated by recent transfer activity in the Saudi Pro League.

Marcus Rashford does not want to return to Manchester United this summer, and hopes to resolve his future ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The winger is currently on loan at Barcelona and the Catalan club have negotiated an option to sign the forward for £26 million ($35m). Michael Carrick is said to want Rashford back if he takes charge permanently but that's not enough to tempt Rashford to return.

January is a notoriously bad time for buyers because nobody ever wants to sell top talent midway through the season. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. Some clubs need to raise funds to balance the books, while others can be left with not option but to unload an unhappy player who has made it clear that he wants to join a stronger side.

Union Berlin director of football Horst Heldt has revealed that the club were offered the chance to sign former Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, insisting that the club could not pursue the deal seriously, such were his financial demands. Sterling has parted company with Chelsea by mutual consent after reaching agreement to end his contract at the club early.